The Delta State Government has assured that it will continue to deploy resources within its strength to protect oil facilities in the state.
The State Commissioner for Oil and Gas, Hon (Chief) Peter Uviejitobor gave the assurance at a one-day Summit, with the themed “Protecting Government Properties and Oil Facilities in DESOPADEC Mandate Areas”, organized by the office of the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on DESOPADEC Matters, Comrade Owen Edafe, in Warri.
Hon Uviejitobor stated that Delta State ranks first among the oil-producing states in Nigeria, stressing that the production quantum in the state is very significant to the country’s oil and gas earnings.
According to the Commissioner, the safety and security of oil facilities is paramount to the economic development of the state and the nation at large, emphasizing that any breach to the facilities can have far-reaching consequences on the economy and the welfare of the people.
He said “I must inform this distinguished gathering that the State Government as currently led by our Governor, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has made significant strides in ensuring the safety and security of our oil facilities.
“Recently, Delta State was recognized as the safest state for oil and gas investments in Nigeria. This achievement is a testament to our commitment to creating a safe and conducive environment for oil and gas operations”.
Hon Uviejitobor explained further that in furtherance to the high premium on the safety of oil facilities, the State has constituted the Forum of Chairmen of Oil Producing Local Governments with Security Agencies to be coordinated by the Office of the Honorable Commissioner for Oil and Gas to fashion out innovative strategies towards curbing oil theft, pipeline vandalism and related vices in the state.
He noted that those concern will be invited as soon as the necessary machinery are in place, even as he disclosed that routine security briefs and reviews would be sustained in ensuring that the state is alive to all developments around the oil and gas sector.
“Let me quickly inform you that His Excellency, the Governor has approved Delta State as host to the 8th Meeting of the National Council on Hydrocarbons. At the event, far-reaching decisions which will include the protection of oil facilities and other critical dynamics of the oil and gas sector will be made”, Uviejitobor added.
The Commissioner pointed out that the progress achieved in the sector resulted to the current boost in oil production, even as he acknowledged that there were still challenges in protecting oil facilities in the state.
He said “The recent attack on CHEVRON facility is a case in point. There are also recorded incidences of vandalism and pipeline breaches in a few other areas.
“To address these challenges, we must strengthen and sustain engagement with our communities, security agencies, and other critical stakeholders to develop effective strategies for preventing and responding to these incidents.
“I must therefore highlight the need for more and frequent Community Engagement, Security Enhancement, Infrastructure Development, Collaboration and Partnership amongst others”, Uviejitobor stressed.
The two terms member of the Delta State Assembly who represented Udu Constituency, noted that protecting oil facilities especially in DESOPADEC Mandate Areas must be a collective responsibility that requires collaboration of all stakeholders.
He therefore encouraged all to collaborate with the state government to ensure the safety and security of oil facilities, saying
“together, we must create a safe environment for oil and gas operations and drive economic growth and development in our state”.
Hon Uviejitobor commended the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on DESOPADEC Matters, Comrade Owen Edafe for a well-conceived and crafted theme of the summit and urged participants to make good use of knowledge gathered.